§ 13. Sir Arnold Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is prepared to consider the setting up of an inquiry into the existing system of trial by court-martial?
§ The Secretary of State for War (Mr. Hore-Belisha)Yes, Sir, I am happy, on behalf of my Noble Friend the Secretary of State for Air and myself, to say that Mr. Roland Oliver, K.C., has consented 189 to be chairman of a Committee to make such an inquiry. The terms of reference are as follows:
To examine the existing system of trial by court-martial under the Army and Air Force Acts and matters incidental thereto, and in particular to consider whether it is desirable and practicable that a person convicted by court-martial should have a right of appeal to a civil judicial tribunal against his conviction, and to make recommendations.The members of the Committee are:
- Mr. Tristram Beresford, K.C.
- The Right Hon. Sir Felix Cassel, Bt., K.C.
- The hon. Member for Chester-le-Street (Mr. Lawson).
- Air Vice-Marshal C. A. H. Longcroft, C.B., C.M.G., D.S.O., A.F.C.
- General Sir Felix Ready, G.B.E., K.C.B., C.S.I., C.M.G., D.S.O.
§ Sir A. WilsonWhile welcoming the statement of my right hon. Friend, may I ask him whether the terms of reference as stated by him cover inquiry into and consideration of the status and functions of the Judge Advocate-General, who is at present both prosecutor and court of appeal?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaThe interpretation of the terms of reference will, of course, rest with the Committee, and I have no reason to believe that the point raised by my hon. Friend will be excluded from the inquiry.
§ Mr. BateyWill the Committee have power to inquire into some of the recent decisions of courts-martial, where sentences on the men have been excessive?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaI am not aware of them.